Traditionally, BR Day NY takes place on the Sunday before Labor Day in the U.S. But since the party is so good, there’s always a lingering desire for more. Therefore, last year, the organizers of BR Day NY brought the party forward a bit and launched the “Esquenta do BR Day NY.” The idea was to showcase a bit more of Brazilian culture, beyond the music, which is the highlight of the big festival on Sunday. Thus, samba, maculelê, and martial arts made the streets of New York even more green and yellow. The audience loved it, and this year, there’s more “Esquenta” coming up.
On Saturday, September 1st, between 3 PM and 5 PM, the 2nd edition of Esquenta do BR Day NY will take place. This year, the main attraction is Batalá New York, a percussion group formed and led solely by women. With a repertoire of music, costumes, and choreography originating from Bahia, Batalá shares Afro-Brazilian culture and promotes the empowerment of women through their contagious performances.
Batalá has been present in New York since 2012 and has inspired and trained women from various backgrounds, ages, and levels of experience. Notable performances by Batalá New York include: the tour for the 50th anniversary of the Rolling Stones, shows at Barclays Center and Prudential Center; the ceremony for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team at New York City Hall, among others.
The Esquenta Schedule
On September 1st, at 3 PM, the Batalá group will gather on the steps of Times Square. There, the performance begins. At 3:30 PM, the band starts marching towards 46th Street. The parade continues down 46th Street until it reaches the front of Restaurant Emporium Brazil, located between 5th and 6th Avenues. A new performance will take place at the location. The event concludes around 5 PM.
This event is free and aims to bring together Brazilians and admirers of Brazil to kick off BR Day NY 2018.
Photos by Elizabeth Tom
KARINE PORCEL
Journalist
karinethebrasilians@gmail.com